Train travel holds a certain poetic charm—carriages rolling through valleys, tunnels opening into panoramic vistas, slow curves revealing lakes, forests, and historic towns. Unlike flights or highways, scenic train routes let travelers witness landscapes in real time while enjoying comfort and freedom inside the train. From alpine passages to coastal rails, volcanic mountains to fjords, the world has dozens of breathtaking train routes that make the journey the highlight of the trip. This guide highlights the most scenic train routes across continents, why they stand out, and how travelers can make the most of them.
- What Makes a Train Route Scenic?
- Scenic Train Routes in Europe
- Scenic Train Routes in North America
- Scenic Train Routes in Asia
- Scenic Train Routes in Australia & New Zealand
- Scenic Train Routes in Africa and South America
- Seasonal Impact on Scenic Train Experiences
- Tips for Booking Scenic Train Journeys
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Makes a Train Route Scenic?
Not every train route is scenic. Scenic routes are defined by what lies beyond the window—dramatic landscapes, cultural regions, architectural marvels, and natural beauty. Several factors contribute to a high-quality scenic rail journey:
Landscape Variety: The best scenic railways pass through multiple environments—mountains, rivers, glaciers, vineyards, or coastlines.
Window Design & Visibility: Many scenic trains offer panoramic viewing windows, open platforms, or dome carriages for photography.
Altitude & Terrain: Mountain railways, viaducts, and passes elevate the visual drama compared to flat plains.
Cultural Significance: Routes crossing heritage towns or indigenous regions add depth and educational value.
With these elements combined, scenic train routes provide immersive viewing experiences that are difficult to replicate through other modes of travel.
Scenic Train Routes in Europe
Europe is arguably the global leader in scenic railways due to its mix of mountains, heritage routes, coastal towns, and well-maintained train networks.
Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)
One of the most photogenic train routes on the planet, the Bernina Express connects Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy). This UNESCO-listed railway features stone viaducts, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and high alpine passes.
Highlights include:
- Morteratsch Glacier
- Lago Bianco
- Brusio Circular Viaduct
- Bernina Pass (2,253m elevation)
Large panoramic windows make this route perfect for photographers. Summer offers green valleys while winter provides snowy wonderlands.
Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Often called the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges.
Notable visuals:
- Landwasser Viaduct
- Oberalp Pass
- Rhone Valley vineyards
- Matterhorn views (near Zermatt)
The slow pace enhances viewing and dining experiences onboard.
Flam Railway (Norway)
The Flam Railway is short in distance but massive in scenic value. Running between Myrdal and Flam, it descends through fjords, mountains, and waterfalls.
Scenic attractions:
- Kjosfossen waterfall
- Aurlandsfjord views
- Alpine villages
- Tunnel spirals
Combined with a fjord cruise, it creates one of Norway’s best travel itineraries.
Cinque Terre Regional Trains (Italy)
Travelers ride trains through tunnels cut into coastal cliffs along the Ligurian Sea, connecting colorful Italian villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The journey showcases terraced vineyards, dramatic sea cliffs, and pastel-colored buildings.
Belgrade to Bar Railway (Serbia to Montenegro)
A lesser-known but stunning Balkan line that crosses over 400 bridges and nearly 250 tunnels. Mountains, canyons, and lakes dominate this dramatic route, especially near Montenegro’s Tara River Canyon.
Scenic Train Routes in North America
North America offers vast wilderness landscapes featuring mountains, deserts, rivers, and coastlines.
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
A luxury scenic route through the Canadian Rockies, with glass-dome carriages and gourmet onboard dining. Routes run between Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise.
Visual highlights include:
- Fraser River Canyon
- Pyramid Falls
- Mount Robson (highest peak in the Canadian Rockies)
- Emerald lakes & glaciers
Trains never run at night so passengers never miss views.
California Zephyr (USA)
Considered one of America’s most scenic long-distance routes, the Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco.
Scenic highlights:
- Rockies near Denver
- Sierra Nevada mountains
- Red rock canyons in Utah
- Truckee River valley
- Bay Area scenery
Observation lounges provide wide-angle viewing.
Alaska Railroad (USA)
The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, passing glaciers, wildlife habitats, lakes, and mountain peaks.
Best visuals include:
- Mount Denali viewpoints
- Turnagain Arm coastline
- Wildlife sightings (bears, moose, elk)
- Snowy tundra landscapes in winter
Scenic Train Routes in Asia
Asia offers diverse train scenery—from Himalayas to tea plantations and coastal jungles.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India)
A UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway connecting New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling through tea plantations, colonial buildings, and mountain loops.
Key sights:
- Batasia Loop
- Kanchenjunga views (on clear days)
- Toy-town mountain villages
Qinghai–Tibet Railway (China)
The world’s highest railway line, climbing over 5,000 meters above sea level. Travelers witness permafrost tundra, Himalayan landscapes, and yak-filled plains.
Notable experiences:
- Tibetan Plateau scenery
- Snow-capped peaks
- Wildlife habitats
Pressurized cabins help with high-altitude health.
Alishan Forest Railway (Taiwan)
A century-old Japanese-built railway from Chiayi to Alishan through cedar forests and cloud-filled mountain terrains.
Best visual highlights include:
- Forest bridges
- Scenic tunnels
- Sky-high viewpoints during sunrise
Rail fans adore the wooden stations and heritage design.
Kandy to Ella Train (Sri Lanka)
One of Asia’s most famous scenic rail experiences. It passes through emerald tea fields, rolling hills, waterfalls, and misty valleys.
Popular visuals:
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Endless tea plantations
- Cloudy mountain passes
Scenic Train Routes in Australia & New Zealand
The southern hemisphere offers remote landscapes and rugged terrains ideal for scenic rail travel.
TranzAlpine (New Zealand)
Connecting Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine runs through rainforests, rivers, viaducts, and alpine passes.
Highlights include:
- Waimakariri River gorge
- Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Canterbury Plains
- Coastal West Coast landscapes
Open-air viewing platforms make photography easy.
Kuranda Scenic Railway (Australia)
Running from Cairns to Kuranda in Queensland, this tropical rainforest railway features waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, and panoramic gorges.
Scenery includes:
- Barron Gorge National Park
- Stoney Creek Falls
- Dense rainforest canopies
Passengers can pair the return journey with a cable car for aerial views.
Scenic Train Routes in Africa and South America
These continents offer rare combinations of wilderness, cultural landscapes, and dramatic terrain.
Rovos Rail (South Africa)
A luxury train known for vintage decor, gourmet meals, and safari excursions. Routes cross deserts, savannahs, vineyards, and coastal areas.
Popular segments include:
- Pretoria to Cape Town
- Pretoria to Victoria Falls
Travelers may spot wildlife from the train itself.
Tren a las Nubes (Argentina)
Meaning “Train to the Clouds,” this Argentine railway climbs into the Andes at extreme elevations. Viaducts and valley crossings offer surreal views.
Highlights include:
- La Polvorilla Viaduct
- Red desert landscapes
- Andean valleys
Altitude adds adventure and challenge.
Seasonal Impact on Scenic Train Experiences
Just like road trips, scenic rail journeys vary dramatically by season.
Summer:
Ideal for glacier and alpine routes in Switzerland, Canada, and Norway due to clear visibility and long daylight hours.
Autumn:
Best for Kancamagus Highway-like foliage trains in the USA and countryside routes in Europe and Japan.
Winter:
Turns Swiss and Canadian routes into snowy fairylands; perfect for Glacier Express, Rocky Mountaineer (winter option), and Alaska Railroad.
Spring:
Great for flower-laden landscapes in Asia (Japan blossoms, Taiwan forests) and European countryside flourishes.
Tips for Booking Scenic Train Journeys
Since many scenic trains are popular, smart planning ensures the best experience.
Helpful tips include:
- Reserve well in advance during peak tourism seasons
- Request window seats (left/right side matters on some routes)
- Consider first-class or panoramic domes for better views
- Check if meals are included or need pre-ordering
- Download offline entertainment for long segments
- Bring warm clothing for alpine or high-altitude routes
- Keep battery banks for cameras and phones
Photography enthusiasts may also prefer non-reflective window seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scenic train route is the most beautiful in the world?
Many rank the Bernina Express, Rocky Mountaineer, and TranzAlpine among the most scenic globally.
Are scenic trains expensive?
Some luxury scenic routes are costly, but many scenic railways like Kandy–Ella or Cinque Terre trains are budget-friendly.
Can you travel scenic trains year-round?
It depends. Alpine routes run year-round, while others pause in harsh winter or monsoon seasons.
Do scenic trains allow luggage?
Luxury scenic trains have storage; regional scenic trains may have limited space.
Final Thoughts
Scenic train routes represent one of the most immersive ways to experience landscapes, culture, and nature. They strip away the stress of traffic, airports, and constant navigation, letting travelers simply gaze, appreciate, and reflect. From Switzerland’s alpine corridors to Sri Lanka’s tea valleys, Canada’s glacier landscapes to Norway’s fjords, scenic train journeys remind us that travel is not just about arrival—it’s about the beauty of the journey itself.
If you’re planning upcoming travels, consider adding a scenic rail route to your itinerary. The world truly looks different from a train window—slow, cinematic, and magical.
